Audition

Name: Audition
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Romance
Released: August 8, 2001
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Eihi Shiina, Ryo Ishibashi

2001

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 146 Ratings

See All

7.9

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

7.9	Your Score
7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 146 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Audition (US Trailer)

Now Playing: Audition (US Trailer)

Movie Details & Credits

American Cinematheque | Release Date: August 8, 2001 | Unrated

Starring: Eihi Shiina, Ryo Ishibashi

Summary: When a Japanese widower holds an audition to search for a potential mate, he finds more than he expected in this eerie thriller.

Director: Takashi Miike

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Romance

Rating: Unrated

Runtime: 115 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

New Times (L.A.) Andy Klein

A warning is virtually mandated: No one who's even the least bit squeamish should even think about seeing Audition. But, if you have a taste for the disturbing, it's a trip that will stay with you for some time. Read full review

Marc Savlov

Audition's take on the war between the sexes is bleak and almost entirely devoid of hope. --It's enough to make you give up dating altogether. Read full review

Chris Kaltenbach

The images here are graphic and disturbing. But Miike somehow manages to stop just short of disgusting.

Steven Rea

Brazen shocker is never less than compelling -- even when you feel compelled to shut your eyes. Read full review

Eric Campos

One of the most shocking Japanese horror films ever. It needs to be seen to be believed, but those with queasy stomachs would do well to stay away. Read full review

William Arnold

The first two-thirds of the movie are a kind of stumbling relationship drama, but the last third segues into a spooky feast of torture, mutilation and murder. Read full review

Dennis Lim

After simmering for an eternity, it derails, with spectacular, psychotic force, bulldozing its way toward an almost unwatchable theater of cruelty. Read full review

SEE ALL 19 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

robz.

Apr 12, 2009

It's been a few months now, and the images of the movie are still vivid in my mind. It is disturbing, and shocking. But yet, that's what I look for in a horror movie. From the moment that phone rings in her apartment with the shock scene, the action never lets up.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

PhoenixDown

Jun 11, 2017

Quite simply the best horror film I have ever seen. It is visceral, intensely disturbing and unforgettable. I have seen many films which have made these claims, but Audition is one of the very few that have delivered. This is largely due to the fact that first half of the film is a bitterQuite simply the best horror film I have ever seen. It is visceral, intensely disturbing and unforgettable. I have seen many films which have made these claims, but Audition is one of the very few that have delivered. This is largely due to the fact that first half of the film is a bitter sweet drama, if not a romantic comedy. Unlike the generic cast of characters who perish in your standard Western horror film, I felt empathy toward and emotionally invested in the main character - a sad, lonely yet likeable man trying to move on after the death of his wife. In many ways this is an anti-horror film, a realistic nightmare that will stay with you for years thereafter. 10/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

wiiisawesome396

Mar 16, 2011

I absolutely love this movie. It is a brilliant combination of romance and horror. Takashi Miike really made this movie pure genius. One thing I love about this movie is the fact it starts off slow and then pops up right at the end. Some people not like this movie because of this, however.I absolutely love this movie. It is a brilliant combination of romance and horror. Takashi Miike really made this movie pure genius. One thing I love about this movie is the fact it starts off slow and then pops up right at the end. Some people not like this movie because of this, however. The script is great and the characters fit the story so well it's not even funny. The flaws with this movie is that it is really long (over 2 hours in length). Also, the movie had some parts when you didn't know what was going on. Hence, this is a fabulous movie and if you love J-horror, this is one you should watch. It is much better than a lot of American horror films these days and will keep you entertained from start to finish.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

horcrux2007

Sep 2, 2014

Part romance, part horror, "Audition" does both parts well. The romance is quite bittersweet, and the horror is absolutely terrifying. It takes quite a while for anything notable to happen, but once the movie starts getting darker, the movie gets extremely disturbing and scary. It's alsoPart romance, part horror, "Audition" does both parts well. The romance is quite bittersweet, and the horror is absolutely terrifying. It takes quite a while for anything notable to happen, but once the movie starts getting darker, the movie gets extremely disturbing and scary. It's also very well acted and shot, and "Audition" is also a very entertaining movie to watch. I recommend this film for every horror fan.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Lumdog

Dec 9, 2021

It's a really weird film. There's enough of an interesting premise here to be intriguing, but I felt it's all a little too unfocused and ambiguous. It wasn't as scary as I was hoping, but the mystery and intrigue will keep you watching. It's a slow burn that builds up to one of the mostIt's a really weird film. There's enough of an interesting premise here to be intriguing, but I felt it's all a little too unfocused and ambiguous. It wasn't as scary as I was hoping, but the mystery and intrigue will keep you watching. It's a slow burn that builds up to one of the most tense toe-curling scenes I've ever seen.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SimonG

Jun 12, 2010

Interesting switch from a romance to a horror, but the end section of the movie felt a bit too 'trippy' for my tastes and it felt like the whole film was lacking in any real direction. Try it if you're a fan of horror.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Panchogul

May 24, 2020

No fue lo que esperaba, los primeros 70 minutos fueron insoportables, parecía un descabellado culebrón cursi sacado de algún capítulo de Mujer Casos de la Vida Real, luego por fin se desencadenan los momentos supuestamente retorcidos ejecutados sin razón de ser y sin ninguna gracia. PorNo fue lo que esperaba, los primeros 70 minutos fueron insoportables, parecía un descabellado culebrón cursi sacado de algún capítulo de Mujer Casos de la Vida Real, luego por fin se desencadenan los momentos supuestamente retorcidos ejecutados sin razón de ser y sin ninguna gracia. Por momentos percibí cierto machismo implícito que sólo sirve como la base de la historia.
A nivel técnico no hay nada interesante que resaltar ni mucho menos de las actuaciones.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 24 REVIEWS

95	#95 Best Movie of 2001
45	#45 Most Discussed Movie of 2001
95	#95 Most Shared Movie of 2001